“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, ‘Let us pass over unto the other side.’ And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:35-38 King James Version)
Someone recently asked me if I had ever been in a severe storm. My first thought was about a blizzard that hit our city in the late 1970’s. But quickly I decided to be true to my calling and answer the question from a different perspective. The next paragraph reveals how I responded.
I said, “There are all kinds of storms, actual storms, snowstorms, windstorms, storms on the land and the sea. There are economic storms, psychological storms, peer pressure storms, chronological storms; the storm where you have to face that inevitable and inescapable aging process.” The person who asked the question is getting more than they wanted as a response. Nevertheless, I continued.
“There are physical storms, sociological storms, political storms, and spiritual storms. In all these situations, listen now; in all these storms, when you feel, personally, that your storm falls in the category of severe storms, I think it is best to call on Jesus, just like the disciples who experienced a strong storm on the sea. They thought they were about to perish. So, they called on the Master. Haven’t you heard, when you call Him, He will answer? You read your bible, so surely you remember how Jesus calmed the severe storm that came upon the disciples boat. Good thing Jesus was in the boat! It is always good to have Jesus in your figurative “boat.” Look at Jesus in the severe storms of life! In the bible, He caused the winds to cease and the waves to rest, speaking just three words: “Peace! Be Still!” Yes, I am a preacher, so I have no reservation about telling you that whatever type of storm you face, wherever the storm takes place, know that in any severe storm, the Lord can still bring calm into your situation, peace in your surroundings, and reduce your anxiety. Jesus still can protect you and keep you from perishing. Jesu still will do such a great thing in your life when you call on Him in your severe storms (plural on purpose). Try it! Trust Him! Turn to Him! Have a wonderful Wednesday, and if necessary, weather the storm with the help of the Lord.” Th person asking the question did not ask me a second inquiry. I wonder why? Smile, my friend! Be blessed!
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King